In a Montessori Early Childhood classroom, highly trained teachers create a customized environment crafted to your child’s unique abilities, interests, and learning style.
This approach to learning is “hands-on.” Dr. Maria Montessori believed (and modern science has affirmed) that moving and learning are inseparable. In the prepared classroom, children work with specially designed manipulative materials that invite exploration and engage the senses in the process of learning. All learning activities support children in choosing meaningful and challenging work at their own interest and ability level. This child-directed engagement strengthens motivation, supports attention, and encourages independence with responsibility. Uninterrupted blocks of work time (typically 2+ hours in length) allow children to work at their own pace and fully immerse themselves in an activity without interruption. Your child’s work cycle involves selecting an activity, performing it for as long as it remains interesting, cleaning up the activity and returning it to the shelf, and making another work choice. This cycle respects individual variations in the learning process, facilitates the development of coordination, concentration, independence, and a sense of order while facilitating your child’s assimilation of information.
A Welcoming Space
A Montessori Early Childhood classroom feels more like a home than a school. You’ll see children happily working individually or in small groups, at tables or on the floor near small mats that delineate their own space. Specially designed learning materials are displayed on open shelves, easily accessible to the children. Classrooms also include low sinks accessible to the children, child-sized furniture, cozy spaces for quiet reading, reachable shelves with work available for free choice, and child-sized kitchen utensils so the students can eat, prepare, and clean up their snack on their own. Teachers gently guide students to help maintain the organization and cleanliness of this environment to keep it orderly and attractive and to help your child understand how to care for materials and clean up after themselves—skills you will be happy to observe carrying over in your home.
July - Time For Summer Fun and Adventure!
Doesn’t Summer just seem to hum along at a slower pace? It’s the perfect time to come up with a bucket list of activities to enjoy and ways to unwind and relax. In fact, I hope this letter indeed finds you lying by a pool or a beach or a lake, and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.
Some of the best summers spent are often not filled with constant activities and trips, and yet some are. Although the “lazy days of summer” isn’t always something we can attain with our packed schedules, it is so refreshing to take at least a little time to slow down and enjoy some simple pleasures. Some of the best times spent can be a backyard barbecue with friends, spending a day on the water fishing or just staying cool, and enjoying our many Farmers Markets, museums, parks and wildlife zoos. And if we still have to work at a hectic, crazy schedule, we can at least look forward to planning for an adventurous day trip to explore and check out the many things to do right here in our region. In this issue, we’ve pointed out some of our beautiful parks, botanical gardens, and zoos, right within our reach.
I hope you are able to enjoy some of the many things our area offers during these hot days of summer and that you make memories with those around you that you love. Have a blessed and fun Fourth of July, and see you around town!
Elizabeth Mueller | elizabeth.mueller@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Makayla Richardson
makayla.richardson@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Tanya Consaul | tconsaul@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jacqueline Valdez, Leza Mueller, Patrick Gruninger, Fred Stover, Kathy Connery, The Hippodrome Theatre, Pavlov Media, Black Prong Equestrian Village, The Home Place, Linda Rocha, Integrative Health, Florida Orthopaedic Institute, Walker Furniture, May Kate Walker, Zoe Bowden, Crystal River Watersports, AngelikHands, Ann Miller-French, Bin There Dump That, Audi Gainesville, Pinspiration Gainesville, Michelle McElroy, Club Pilates Gainesville, MobileDumps, Cabi Style with Leza, Lubee Bat Conservancy, Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation, Brian Pope, Christine Janks, Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens, Rahel Faruque, La Fiesta Mexican Grille, Amanda Castro, Tanya Consaul Photography, The Matheson History Museum, Cool Blue Photography, The Florida Museum of Natural History, Rafael Hernandez, Marion County Parks Department, Sara Lambert, Captain Bobby Brady, Water Wonders Media, Donna Cohen, Central Florida Skydiving, Heartwood Soundstage, Artwalk Gainesville, Town of Micanopy, City of Alachua, City of Gainesville.
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Collins
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Are you tired of shaving, waxing, and tweezing body hair?
Ban your unwanted hair permanently with Laser Hair Removal at Gainesville Dermatology Aesthetic Center. Trust your skin to the only dermatologist supervised aesthetic center in our area.
inside the issue
Experience our non-stop service between
Experience our non-stop service between Gainesville and Fort Lauderdale! Gainesville and Fort Lauderdale!
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-4: The Black Prong Kentucky Derby Soiree was a hit! 5-6: Congratulations Integrative Health on your Ribbon Cutting. Healthcare centered around physician-patient relationships. 7: Congratulations Florida Orthopaedic Institute on your ribbon cutting and grand opening!
LINDA ROCHA
LINDA ROCHA
LINDA ROCHA
8-11: Thank you Walker Furniture for a wonderful Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours! 12-13: Thank you to Jennifer Cassidy and Club Synergie for your wonderful Gainesville Area Women's Networking Event 14: Congratulations Five Branch Massage & Wellness on a great Ribbon Cutting.
PRP Regeneration Specialists offers two types of powerful and effective magnetic energy treatments. Focused Shockwave and EMTT MAGNETOLITH® magnetic treatments are state-of-the-art therapies for treating your acute and chronic pain quickly and safely.
Neck and Back pain
Shoulder pain
Elbow pain
Hand pain
Hip & Knee pain
Ankle & Foot pain
Plantar Fasciitis (FDA approved indication)
July 1st - September 30th
15-16: Congratulations Five Branch Massage & Wellness on a great Ribbon Cutting. 17: Great ANewU Aesthetics + Wellness event with the beautiful Emsculpt NEO bus! 18: Congratulations Top Hog BBQ on your new location at The Oaks. 19-20: Congratulations to the local owners of the new Zaxby's here on W. Newberry! 21: Thank you Pomodoro Café for hosting Gainesville City Lifestyle’s Monthly Happy Hour Networking event.
22-25: Thank you Pomodoro Café for hosting Gainesville City Lifestyle’s Monthly Happy Hour Networking event. 26-27: Congratulations to HCA Florida North Florida Hospital on your recent groundbreaking! 28: Gainesville Area Women's Network Monthly Meeting Members enjoying a wonderful meeting.
business monthly
Jacqueline Valdez Certified fitness, dance professional and Studio Owner
Jacqueline has decades of performing professionally in theater & dance, including an appearance on America’s Got Talent and opening fashion shows around the nation. She was inspired to open Jacqueline Valdez Studio, inspiring others to live healthy and empowered lives through movement. Jacqueline has also created a positive platform featuring celebrities from around the globe to shed light on her talk show- Illuminating the world, one voice at a time- Jacqueline Valdez Live.
Scan to read more
Welcome King’s Heating & Air to the Gainesville City Lifestyle Community!
With 18+ years of experience, King’s Heating & Air Inc. is a beacon of reliability and expertise in the HVAC industry. We take pride in being your local heating and cooling experts, dedicated to serving our community with unwavering commitment. As a locally owned and operated company, we understand our neighbors’ unique needs, providing solutions tailored to your comfort. Call 352-278-2820 today! https://www.kingsheatingandairrepair.com/
Scan to read more
A better way to do primary care!
Integrative Health is a physician-owned, shared equity company that is committed to honoring the doctor-patient relationship. We believe healthcare should be led by physicians, not the insurance companies, hospitals or corporate entities. Our physicians want to serve their patients and ultimately create a more resilient healthcare community. To learn more visit www.integrativehealthfl.com
Scan to read more
Photography by Integrative Health
Welcome Zaxby's to Newberry Road!
Join us in welcoming and celebrating the grand opening of a locally owned Zaxby's in Gainesville at 7300 W Newberry Rd, Gainesville, FL 32606. Local Owners Boris, Shaun, and Blake have been business partners in Site Selection, Development, Construction, and Operating Zaxby's Restaurants in the Greater Central Florida Area since 2016. Each partner brings their own strengths and experience, working together to build something special. Stop by and say Hi!
Mama Rose's Treasure, an Estate Sale Consulting Solutions Service
At Mama Rose's Treasure we recognize there is no real cookie cutter approach, every situation is different and catered to the needs of our customer. With over 45 years of experience, we offer traditional onsite estate sale services, online sales, consignments for just a few pieces, an entire house buyout, or a combination of any of the above. We are one of the few in the area which offer all of these options.
Calling Singers: Auditions for the Capella Nova 2024-2025 Season
Capella Nova invites singers to audition for the 2024 - 2025 season. We're an unaffiliated, classically-oriented SATB ensemble. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings September - April at Abiding Savior, 9700 W. Newberry Rd. Available audition times begin at 5:00 p.m. on July 23rd. For more information or to register to audition, please call/text (904)535-4779. Registration to audition is required, but no preparation is needed. For those with unavoidable conflicts, additional and later dates may be available.
Photography by Leza Mueller
Photography by Fred Stover
Understand Commitment
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Join us until July 21st for this fast-paced, phonetic musical comedy that will undoubtedly bring you to your feet! Join an eclectic group of six young people who compete in the spelling championship of a lifetime. Eight spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box. Tickets available at The Hippodrome State Theater Box Office or at tickets.thehipp.org/. Scan
Pavlov Media Welcomes Jennifer Phelps to the Pavlov Media Sales Team!
Pavlov Media is pleased to introduce our newest Business Account Executive, Jennifer Phelps. Jennifer is familiar to the Gainesville business community because she has helped countless local organizations improve their phone and Internet communications. Jennifer is excited to share the advancements and improvements in fiber-based phone and internet solutions that Pavlov Media brings to this area. Schedule a free consultation with Jennifer Phelps to talk about all your business communication needs at 904-874-4229 or jphelps@pavlovmedia.com.
Daycation Resort Passes
Black Prong Community Passes are back this summer with resort amenity access and poolside service for the whole family! Splash in the beach entrance pool and sip on craft cocktails while you relax in the sun. Day passes are $20 for adults and $10 for kids with additional passholder options that come with extra perks! Located in Bronson, FL. blackprong.com/community-pass/ (352) 486-1234
Scan to read more
Photography by Hippodrome Theatre
Photography by Black Prong
Local Favorites
SMALL BUSINESSES ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF OUR COMMUNITY! SHOP LOCAL!
Bin There Dump That: Dumpster Rentals
Bin There Dump That / Dumpster Rentals / $325 and up / 352-900-5253 / ncflorida.bintheredumpthatusa.com
Pinspiration Gainesville: Featured Parties
Pinspiration / Adult and Kid Parties / Private VIP Party / call (352) 792-6270 / gainesville@pinspiration.com
The Hippodrome Theater: Gift Cards
The Hippodrome Theater / Gift unforgettable moments: Live theater or cinema with Hippodrome Theatre’s gift cards / thehipp.org / (352) 375-4477
AngelikHands: VIP Coaching Program
AngelikHands /Light Language Therapy with Ann Miller-French / Starting at $144.00 for (1) 60-minute session / 414-429-5117 / http://AngelikHands.com/
Audi Gainesville: Discover the 2024 Audi Q3
Audi Gainesville / The 2024 Audi Q3: A perfect balance of smart design, impressive performance and everyday functionality. / 1920 N Main St, Gainesville / (352) 204-4000 / New Audi Cars & SUVs near Ocala, FL Audi Gainesville
Club Pilates Gainesville: Memberships
Club Pilates Gainesville / Memberships for high-quality, life-changing training / https://www.clubpilates.com / location/gainesville / (352) 559-3144
Cabi Style with Leza: Hostess Call
Cabi Style with Leza / New Hostess Call / Find out how to get 50% OFF cabi by being a hostess / elizabethmueller. cabionline.com / 352-359-6023
The Home Place: Picnic Party
The Home Place / Happy Everything products, grill necessities, salt and pepper shakers / Starting at $29 / (352) 554-5615 / 105 SW 140th Ct Suite 2 / https://thehomeplacefl/com
The Hippodrome Theatre / Summer Theatre Camps for Kids ages 8-18. Register Now / thehipp.org/education
The Hippodrome Theatre: Summer Theatre Camps MobileDumps: \ The Dumpster Alternative
MobileDumps / Enhanced on-site debris collection and disposal / 1-3 Day rentals / 10% off First Rental code: “city10” / (352) 995-0066 / www.mobiledumps.com
NATURE COAST ADVENTURE
ARTICLE BY ZOE BOWDEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BLACK PRONG & CRYSTAL RIVER WATERSPORTS
Skip the beach traffic and amusement park lines and explore the hidden side of Florida
Just a short drive East of Gainesville is Florida’s Nature Coast, where you can swim in pristine blue springs, spot manatees while kayaking on the river, hike through Florida forests, or charter a boat for coastal fishing! For a getaway without going far, the Black Prong nature resort in the Goethe State Forest offers a home base to venture out and explore local attractions.
• Dive into Devil’s Den Prehistoric Springs with Florida Springs Scuba in Williston
• Float in an inner tube down Rainbow River in Dunnellon
• Take a CraigCat Boat tour with Crystal River Watersports to explore local islands and sandbars
• Bike the Goethe State Forest and see the Goethe Giant, a 900-year-old Bald Cypress standing 105 feet tall
• Enjoy the lush botanical garden at Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens
• Charter a boat to hunt for scallops with the family from July - September
• Kayak to the original town of Cedar Key at Atsena Otie and explore this historic landmark or relax on the sandy beach
Photographer Crystal River Watersports
DESCRIBING THE INDESCRIBABLE
Living a Life of Adventures
ARTICLE BY LEZA MUELLER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CENTRAL FLORIDA SKYDIVING & JAQULINE MUELLER
Skydiving entails jumping out of a perfectly good plane at 10,500 feet. The plane is going 100+ miles an hour. When the door opens there is a cool burst of air. As you “jump” for 45 seconds you are “floating” toward Earth at speeds of 120+ miles an hour. Once the parachute opens, the noise quiets, the view around you calms, and you have pure serenity.
Central Florida Skydiving
EXPLORE FARMERS MARKETS
Alachua County Farmers Market 5920 NW 13th St., Gainesville
Open Saturdays from 8:30 am to Noon
GNV Market at Heartwood 619 South Main, Gainesville
Open Thursdays from 4 to 7 pm
Grove Street Farmers Market 1001 NW 4th St, Gainesville
Open Mondays from 4 to 7 pm
Find Fresh, Locally Grown Produce In Our Community At Your Local Farmers Market
High Springs Farmers Market 23517 NW 185 Rd, High Springs
Open Fridays from 3 to 7 pm
Waldo Farmers and Flea Market
170805 US Hwy 301, Waldo
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 4:30 pm
CONSERVATION & EDUCATION
Lubee Bat Conservancy & Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation
These non-profits provide adventures right in our reach and share both a passion and dedication to conservation and education.
LUBEE BAT CONSERVANCY
Lubee Bat Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving bats and their habitats through conservation, education, and awareness, with a focus on children and community engagement. Located in Gainesville, Lubee places animal care, conservation, and education as its three core institutional purposes. VIP Private Tours are offered, where guests will get an exclusive up close interaction with our bats.
CARSON SPRINGS WILDLIFE FOUNDATION
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation is funded entirely by visitors and individual donations . Their mission is preserving wild species in their native habitats. They are able to do this by providing wonderful large natural habitats and tours guided by professional zoologists. Learning their individual stories and detailed information about each rare species hopefully fosters the desire to conserve them. Bookings made on their website.
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation
Carson Springs Wildlife Foundation
Lubee Bat Conservancy
Lubee Bat Conservancy
MARION COUNTY PARKS: Your ADVENTURE AWAITS!
KP HOLE:
For a leisurely adventure, tube the “Rainbow River Classic – the tuber ride of generations.” Rentals, with return shuttle service from Blue Run of Dunnellon Park, are available. The average float takes approximately four hours. Additionally, KP Hole offers boat access to the Rainbow River and kayak and paddle board rentals. The Rainbow River is considered one of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Special Waters on their list of Outstanding Florida Waters . The FDEP has also named the Rainbow River one of the state’s Aquatic Preserves . The National Parks Service characterizes the Rainbow River as one of its National Natural Landmarks .
HORSESHOE LAKE:
This serene lakeside retreat features four rustic cabins, an outdoor pavilion and all the peace and quiet you could ever want. Nestled in the northeastern part of Marion County, Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat is a hidden gem, perfect for your next family getaway. Cabins come equipped with beds, couches and kitchenettes but the best amenity is your unfettered access to Horseshoe Lake.
Cabins can be rented by visiting the Marion County Parks website parks.marionfl.org or by calling their office at 352-671-8560.
Whether you are looking for new adventures, peace & quiet, or the perfect spot for a special celebration, Marion County has a place for everyone.
Marion County Parks & Recreation proudly maintains more than 50 unique sites, including everything from boating & swimming access, sports fields, hiking trails, memorials & one-of-akind play areas for children of all abilities.
Promoting peace, education, animal rescue, and environmental preservation.
In 1991, Dr, Raymond Webber purchased an abandoned lime rock quarry property for his own use. Then he began to transform the property into something more. Rock by rock, the walkways, wall of the gardens, islands, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos and bridges were created. Ray resumed gardening and enjoying his beautiful botanical creations.
In 2014, Ray created the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, Inc. He donated the 20-acre botanical garden to the non-profit and the entire 64-acre surrounding woodlands to Conservation Florida in order to keep them protected in the future.
Now the quarry walls are filled with hundreds of species of plants and flowers. The surrounding trees and the topography of the quarry allow temperate and semitropical plants to flourish year-round. Birds of prey, owls, doves, numerous songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, and other wildlife may be encountered along the trail.
There are benches and picnic tables throughout the trails to allow visitors to sit and enjoy the spectacular views. It is also suggested that you bring a picnic lunch to snack on while enjoying these views. Today, thanks to the help of staff members and Ray’s dedication to his artistic dream, the garden continues to grow with the addition of new garden displays, scenic features, and expansion of education programs. You may also wander through our surrounding woods and enjoy the Oaks, Cedars, Pines, Pecans, Hickories, and Dogwoods in an adjacent 64-acre nature conservation easement maintained by “Conservation Florida.”
Enjoy Our Local Museums This Summer
WANT TO DO SOMETHING FUN THIS SUMMER? GO TO A MUSEUM!
The Matheson History Musuem
Check out our local museums this summer and be ready for a wonderful experience where you can be inspired and learn about our world and community.
THE MATHESON HISTORY MUSEUM
Located in the heart of downtown Gainesville, the Matheson History Museum is home to the Historic Matheson House, permanent and temporary exhibits on Alachua County and Florida history, and a local history library and archives. Throughout the year we host a variety of programs on local and Florida history. Admission is free! Photos courtesy of Cool Blue Photography.
THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
The Florida Museum of Natural History has been inspiring people to value and protect the biological richness and cultural heritage of our diverse world for more than a century. Located on the University of Florida campus, the Florida Museum is home to more than 40 million specimens and artifacts, one of the nation’s largest natural history collections. For more information, visit www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu or follow us @FloridaMuseum.
The Florida Museum of Natural History
CAPTAIN
STEINHATCHEE REPORT Bobbi Brady:
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CAPTAIN BOBBI BRADY
Captain Bobbi Brady in Steinhatchee reports a great redfish bite.
The water is warming up and so are the fish. In 2 to 3 foot of water Gold spoons are always a great go to bait. Half ounce to 3 quarter depending on depth. Slow reeling and letting it bounce the bottom.
And don’t forget scallop season is here! Inshoreredfish.com
DAWN SMITH, MD
IN HOUSE FABRICATION OF COUNTERTOPS
JULY 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGHOUT JULY
Free Fridays Concert Series
Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave., Gainesville
Free Outdoor Concert Series at Bo Diddley Plaza features local and regional musical talent. All concerts are Fridays 7 pm to 9 pm.
July 5 - Pet Detectives (90s Alt Rock Covers)
July 12 - The Ox Showcase: Short Stack, Cooper, Jenna Clark (Country)
July 19 - Gainesville Big Band (Jazz/Swing)
July 26 - MusicGNV Showcase: Tribute to Gainesville Bands
JULY 3RD
Celebrate RED, WHITE & BLUE at The Home Place
The Home Place
Join The Home Place to celebrate RED, WHITE & BLUE, specials and a cookout on Wednesday, July 3rd! RSVP design@thehomeplacefl.com or 352-554-5615
JULY 3RD
WUFT's FanFares & Fireworks
University of Florida Bandshell at Flavet Field, 605 Woodlawn Drive, Gainesville | 6:00 PM
Enjoy an evening of live music and fireworks presented by WUFTTV, WUFT-FM and WUFT Classic. The fireworks will begin at approximately 9:40 p.m. There will be food trucks. No dogs, sparklers, drones or alcohol are allowed at the event. Coolers are allowed, but may be subject to search by the University of Florida Police Department.
Join us for the City of Alachua's annual Fourth of July Celebration, complete with food trucks, live music, and the Largest small-town Fireworks Display in America! Event starts at 5 pm and ends at 9:30 pm.
JULY 4TH
Micanopy 4th of July Celebration
Micanopy | 11:00 AM
Micanopy celebrates Independence Day with a traditional parade, music, food, fun and fireworks. Shops and eateries will be open for browsing. Ballpark fun at Carson Robert Sports Complex, NW Eestaulkee (3rd Ave.) starts at 5 pm. Food Trucks, bounce houses, and children’s playground. Bring sunscreen. Restrooms available. At Dusk there are Fireworks at the Ballpark. No alcohol allowed at events.
JULY 10TH
Some Like it Hot Standup Comedy
Black Prong Bar & Grill 450 SE Co Rd 337, Bronson FL | 7:00 PM
Premier Events is bringing another Comedy Night to the Black Prong Bar & Grill! Full bar and dinner service. Rated R 18+ show. Experience some of the best rising stars of comedy in North Central FL along with nationally known acts! https://blackprong.com/event/comedy/ Wednesday, July 10, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
CONTINUED
JULY 26TH
Artwalk Gainesville
Various | 7:00 PM
Artwalk Gainesville is a self-guided art experience of local galleries, artist studios, and cultural events. This is an evening to support the arts in Gainesville. Held the last Friday of the month from 7 pm to 10 pm. Check out the Artwalk Gainesville website to see the map of locations. www.artwalkgainesville.com
JULY 28TH
North Central Florida
Blues Society presents Bill MacLeod w/ Bill Ricci.
619 S Main St Gainesville, Florida 32601 | 6:30 pm
Nominated for TWO Blues Music Awards in 2024: Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year and Acoustic Album Of The Year for Raw Blues. Doug MacLeod is a prolific singer, songwriter, storyteller, and masterful guitarist, and he has become one of today’s most award-winning and loved acoustic Blues artists still touring today. And Doug returns to Gainesville, Florida to play Heartwood Soundstage.
ADVENTURES IN ITALY
1. Cooking school in Sorrento--Yum!
2. Dining under the Lemon Trees in Sorrento!
3. Aperol Spritz while watching the Gondolas in Venice!
4. Positano with my brother Henry, and friend Helen Frankel!
5. The famous Italian Margherita Pizza--Ate a lot of those.
Donna Cohen, President Donna Cohen Classic Design, LLC
